A demanding discipline such as studio work focused on historic preservation must begin with in-situ exploration of the historical building. Visiting the site helps students to understand the complexities of the structure and its surrounding context. After last year’s visit to a cinema located within the Brno Exhibition Grounds, this year we moved closer to Villa Stiassni.

Villa Wittal, built in 1932 based on a design by architect Heinrich Blum, is located in the residential district of Pisárky. It represents an important example of interwar architecture and is listed as a cultural monument. Originally a private residence of the Wittal family, the villa was confiscated by the state after 1945 and used for residential purposes. The current project aims to restore the villa and repurpose it as the Jewish Culture Center ŠTETL, which will host educational, cultural, and community activities.

During the workshop, which took place as part of the studio curriculum, students explored the building and conducted surveys that will serve as a basis for further analysis. Their work focused primarily on documenting surviving authentic elements, such as original window and door infills, floor tiles, metalwork details, and interior furnishings. Although the workshop lasted only one afternoon, third-year students successfully absorbed the atmosphere of First Republic architectural craftsmanship.